Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A remotely controlled system for dispensing articles or services comprising: (a) a central hub including a server running software for implementing system functionality; (b) a dispensing device connected to the hub server by a communication channel and including a processing unit responsive to external commands to operate the dispensing device; (c) a server associated with a brand owner whose product or service is available from the dispensing device; (d) wherein the hub server and the dispensing device processing unit cooperate responsive to a request of a user to purchase a selected item or service to be dispensed by said dispensing device said request provided from a the user's smart device over a communication channel to identify the user, and, subject to prior approval of the user, to provide identification information of said user and identification of said purchased item or service selection to the brand owner's server; and wherein, (e) the brand owner's server is programmed to be responsive to the user identification and the purchased item or service selection information provided to it to record information associating the selected product or service with the user and to generate targeted marketing information that is transmitted through the central hub server for delivery to the user; and (f) the hub server is further configured to compute advantageous stocking patterns as a function of selection pattern data from dispensing devices at different locations and send inventory control alerts to the brand owner's server in accordance with said stocking patterns.
2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the positive identification is based on biometric data which is obtained by an input unit at the dispensing device or the user's smart device.
3. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the central hub is accessible as a service of one or more social media websites.
4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the brand owner's server is further programmed to gather information on the user from sources other than the ongoing transaction, and to generate the targeted marketing information based on all the gathered information.
This invention relates to a system for targeted marketing in e-commerce transactions. The system addresses the problem of generic marketing approaches that fail to leverage comprehensive user data, resulting in less effective promotions and reduced customer engagement. The system includes a brand owner's server that interacts with a user's device during an online transaction. The server is programmed to collect real-time transaction data, such as product selections and browsing behavior, to generate personalized marketing content. Additionally, the server gathers supplementary user information from external sources, such as social media, past purchase history, or third-party databases, to enhance the targeting accuracy. By integrating this broader dataset, the system creates highly tailored marketing messages, improving relevance and conversion rates. The system dynamically adjusts the marketing content based on the combined data, ensuring adaptability to user preferences and behaviors. This approach enhances customer experience and increases the likelihood of successful marketing campaigns. The invention aims to optimize marketing efficiency by leveraging both transactional and external user data for precise targeting.
5. The system according to claim 1 , including a plurality of dispensing devices, at least some of which are located remotely from the central hub.
6. A system according to claim 1 , further configured to allow the user to withhold providing their said user identification to said brand owner's server.
7. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the dispensing device perform one or more of: (i) providing information to a tax authority concerning taxable transactions; (ii) transferring payment of taxes due to an account of the tax authority; (iii) accessing a data source to obtain positive identification of a potential user and his or her age and/or compliance with other legal requirements applicable to a requested transaction; and (iv) providing to the system manager selection pattern data from the dispensing devices to facilitate decisions as to what items or services should be available from the dispensing devices in particular locations.
8. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the hub server is responsive to commands from software resident on a user's smart device or to commands from the user's smart device provided through conventional web access services or to commands directly inputted by a user through a dispensing device.
9. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the hub includes back office server functionality for brand owners operative to perform selected data analysis functions.
The system relates to a hub-based platform designed for brand owners to manage and analyze product data. The hub serves as a central interface that integrates various data sources, including product information, sales data, and consumer feedback, to provide a unified view for brand owners. A key feature of the hub is its back-office server functionality, which enables brand owners to perform advanced data analysis tasks. This functionality includes processing, filtering, and visualizing data to extract actionable insights, such as market trends, product performance, and customer preferences. The system may also support additional features like inventory management, supply chain tracking, and compliance monitoring, depending on the specific implementation. By consolidating these capabilities within a single hub, the system aims to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance overall business efficiency for brand owners. The back-office server functionality is particularly valuable for large-scale enterprises that require robust data processing and analytics to maintain a competitive edge in the market. The system may also include user authentication, role-based access control, and secure data transmission to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
10. A remotely controllable dispensing device comprising: storage units for items deliverable from the dispensing device; a processing unit connectable to a central hub through a communication channel, and a visual display unit; wherein the processing unit is remotely controllable by transaction request instructions to purchase an item or service originating from a user's smart device or to instructions to purchase an item or service provided through an input device that is part of the dispensing device itself to initiate identification of the user and verification that the requested transaction is legally permissible and satisfies commercial conditions for the identified user, and to deliver said purchased item or service if legal and commercial conditions are satisfied, wherein the processing unit is further operative to provide operational status to the hub and responsive to completion of a transaction, to transmit inventory status information to the hub and to information provided from the hub to operate the visual display unit to deliver a marketing message targeted to the identified user; and the processing unit, in cooperation with the central hub, is further operative to collect data reflective of tax due on transactions at a dispensing device in the system; transmit the collected information to a relevant tax authority; and transfer the tax due to an account of the tax authority.
11. A dispensing device according to claim 10 , wherein the device further includes a biometric data input unit.
A dispensing device is designed to securely and accurately dispense items such as medications, documents, or other valuable goods. The device includes a storage compartment for holding the items, a dispensing mechanism to release them, and a control system to manage the dispensing process. The control system may include authentication features to ensure only authorized users can access the stored items. One embodiment of the device further incorporates a biometric data input unit, such as a fingerprint scanner, retinal scanner, or facial recognition system. This biometric unit captures unique biological characteristics of the user to verify their identity before allowing access to the stored items. The biometric data is processed by the control system to determine if the user is authorized. If the biometric data matches stored authorization records, the dispensing mechanism is activated to release the requested item. This enhances security by reducing reliance on traditional authentication methods like passwords or access cards, which can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. The biometric input unit may be integrated into the device housing or connected wirelessly. The system may also include additional security measures, such as encryption of biometric data and tamper-resistant hardware, to prevent unauthorized access. This dispensing device is particularly useful in environments where secure and controlled access to items is critical, such as hospitals, pharmacies, or high-security facilities.
12. A dispensing device according to claim 10 , that is also operable to deliver audible messages to users.
13. A system according to claim 10 , wherein said smart device and hub server are configured to be in communication for pre-order, for immediate purchase, or any combination thereof.
14. A method of operating an article distribution system to conduct a transaction by delivery of an item or service selected by a user from among one or more available options, the selection being made using a smart device, the method comprising: disposing a dispensing device including a processing unit in a selected location; establishing a communication channel between the dispensing device and a central hub; transmitting a user request to purchase a selected item or service, to the dispensing device; verifying that the requested transaction is permissible; transmitting approval for the transaction through the communication channel to the dispensing device; delivering the selected purchased item or service to the user in response to the transmitted approval; transmitting inventory status information from the dispensing device to the hub server; and subject to prior approval by the user, providing identification information of said user and of said purchased item or service to a brand owner's server in response to said purchase and delivering a targeted promotional message to the user during the transaction, the content of which is determined at least in part by information about the user's prior purchases of items from delivery devices and by other information likely to be reflective of the user's interests; wherein the method further comprises: collecting data reflective of tax due on transactions at a dispensing device in the system; transmitting the collected information to a relevant tax authority; and transferring the tax due to an account of the tax authority.
This invention relates to an automated article distribution system that enables users to purchase items or services via a smart device. The system includes a dispensing device located at a selected location, equipped with a processing unit and connected to a central hub via a communication channel. Users submit purchase requests for available items or services through their smart devices, which are then verified for permissibility. Upon approval, the selected item or service is delivered, and inventory status updates are transmitted to the hub server. The system also provides targeted promotional messages to users based on their purchase history and other interest-related data, with prior user consent. Additionally, the system collects tax-related data from transactions, transmits it to the relevant tax authority, and transfers the tax due to the authority's account. The invention ensures seamless transactions, automated tax compliance, and personalized marketing while maintaining user privacy through consent-based data sharing.
15. A method according to claim 14 , further including transmitting operational status information from the dispensing device to the hub server.
A system and method for managing and monitoring dispensing devices, such as automated medication dispensers, involves a hub server that communicates with multiple dispensing devices to track and control their operations. The hub server collects data from the dispensing devices, including inventory levels, usage patterns, and device status, to optimize dispensing operations and ensure proper functioning. The system may also include a user interface for administrators to monitor and manage the dispensing devices remotely. Additionally, the system may integrate with external systems, such as electronic health records, to synchronize medication dispensing with patient treatment plans. The dispensing devices may be configured to dispense medications or other items based on predefined schedules or user requests. The system further includes transmitting operational status information from the dispensing devices to the hub server, allowing for real-time monitoring of device performance, error detection, and maintenance scheduling. This ensures continuous and reliable operation of the dispensing devices, reducing downtime and improving efficiency in healthcare or other environments where automated dispensing is used.
16. A method according to claim 14 , wherein the transaction is controlled by software running on the hub server accessed by the user through available web access software alone or in cooperation with software running on a user's smart device or accessed through an input device in the dispensing device.
17. A method according to claim 14 , further comprising: determining if the transaction is subject to an age requirement, and if it is, obtaining a positive identification of the user by the dispensing device; transmitting the identification information to the hub server; correlating the identification data with data in a database containing verified age data for the user; and transmitting permission for the transaction to the dispensing device if it is permitted.
This invention relates to a method for verifying user age in automated transactions, particularly for age-restricted products or services dispensed by a device. The method addresses the problem of ensuring compliance with age restrictions in automated systems where manual verification is impractical. The method involves a dispensing device that interacts with a hub server to verify a user's age before allowing a transaction. The dispensing device first determines if the transaction is subject to an age requirement. If it is, the device obtains a positive identification of the user, such as biometric data or a verified ID. This identification information is then transmitted to the hub server, which correlates it with a database containing pre-verified age data for the user. If the user meets the age requirement, the hub server transmits permission to the dispensing device, allowing the transaction to proceed. If the user does not meet the requirement, the transaction is denied. The method ensures that age-restricted transactions are only completed by eligible users, enhancing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while maintaining automation in the dispensing process. The system integrates identification verification and database correlation to provide a seamless yet secure transaction flow.
18. A method according to claim 17 , wherein the user identification data is obtained by a biometric scan performed by the dispensing device or the user's smart device and the user's identity is confirmed by accessing an external database to correlate the user's identification data so obtained.
This invention relates to a method for securely identifying users in a dispensing system, addressing the problem of unauthorized access to controlled substances or sensitive materials. The method involves obtaining user identification data through a biometric scan, which can be performed either by the dispensing device itself or by a user's smart device. The biometric data, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scan, is then used to confirm the user's identity by accessing an external database. The external database correlates the obtained biometric data with pre-stored identification records to verify the user's identity before granting access to the dispensing device. This approach enhances security by reducing reliance on traditional authentication methods like passwords or PINs, which are more susceptible to theft or misuse. The system ensures that only authorized individuals can access the dispensing device, preventing unauthorized dispensing of controlled substances or sensitive materials. The method integrates seamlessly with existing dispensing devices and smart devices, providing a convenient and secure authentication process. The external database may be hosted on a cloud server or another secure remote system, ensuring that user data is protected and accessible only to authorized entities. This biometric-based identification method improves security, reduces fraud, and enhances user convenience in dispensing systems.
19. A method according to claim 14 , wherein the message is delivered to the user by way of his or her smart device or a display unit that is part of the dispensing device.
20. A method according to claim 14 , further comprising establishing back office server capability for brand owners, wherein the back offices provide functions selected by the respective brand owners.
21. The method of claim 14 , wherein said step of delivering a targeted promotional message comprises displaying the message on said dispensing device, on a smart device of said user, or any combination thereof.
A method for delivering targeted promotional messages to users in a retail or vending environment addresses the challenge of effectively engaging customers with relevant promotions. The method involves identifying a user, determining their preferences or behavior, and delivering a promotional message tailored to those factors. The promotional message can be displayed on a dispensing device, such as a vending machine or kiosk, or on a user's smart device, such as a smartphone or tablet. The system may use data from previous interactions, user profiles, or real-time inputs to customize the message. The delivery mechanism ensures that promotions are presented in a timely and contextually relevant manner, enhancing user engagement and increasing the likelihood of conversion. This approach leverages digital interfaces to provide personalized marketing, improving the efficiency of promotional campaigns in retail and automated dispensing systems.
22. The method of claim 14 , further comprising a step of displaying a said targeted message to said user when the user is in proximity to said dispensing device without making a purchase.
23. A remotely controlled system for dispensing articles or services comprising: (a) a central hub including a server running software for implementing system functionality; (b) a plurality of dispensing devices connected to the hub server by a communication channel and each said dispensing device including a processing unit responsive to external commands to operate the dispensing device; (c) a server associated with a brand owner whose product or service is available from the dispensing device; (d) wherein the central hub is responsive to a request of a user to purchase a selected item or service to be dispensed by said dispensing device said request provided from the user's smart device over a communication channel to identify the user; and (e) central hub is further operative, upon said user's consent, to verify, with an external database maintained by a public or private entity, one or more of said user's personal attributes regarding fulfillment of legal requirements of said purchase which are based on said personal attributes; and (f) the central hub is further responsive to a request by the user of a location of a said dispensing device for pickup of said purchased item.
24. A system of claim 23 , wherein a said verification of personal user attributes is performed during said purchase and during said pickup.
The system relates to secure transaction verification in retail or delivery environments, addressing the need to authenticate users during both purchase and pickup stages to prevent fraud or unauthorized access. The system includes a verification module that checks personal user attributes, such as biometric data, identification documents, or behavioral patterns, at two critical points: when the transaction is initiated (purchase) and when the item is retrieved (pickup). This dual-verification process ensures that the same individual who authorized the purchase is the one collecting the item, reducing risks like identity theft or unauthorized pickup. The verification module may integrate with existing payment or authentication systems, using methods like facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or digital ID validation. The system may also include a user interface for inputting verification data and a backend processor to compare stored user attributes with real-time inputs. By enforcing verification at both stages, the system enhances security in transactions involving physical goods, digital access, or sensitive services. The approach is particularly useful in retail, e-commerce, or delivery services where secure handoff is critical.
25. A system of claim 24 , further comprising a biometric data input unit, wherein said central hub is further configured to correlate biometric data of the user with said external database to authenticate the user in said fulfillment of legal requirements.
26. A system according to claim 25 , wherein the biometric data unit is at the dispensing device, at the user's smart device, or any combination thereof.
27. A system according to claim 26 , wherein said biometric data comprises facial, retinal, fingerprint scan, or any combination thereof.
A system for biometric authentication processes multiple types of biometric data to verify user identity. The system captures and analyzes biometric inputs, including facial recognition, retinal scans, fingerprint scans, or any combination of these modalities. By integrating multiple biometric methods, the system enhances security and accuracy in identity verification. The system may be used in applications requiring high-security access control, such as financial transactions, secure facility entry, or digital authentication. The use of multiple biometric inputs reduces the risk of false positives or negatives, improving reliability compared to single-modal biometric systems. The system may also include preprocessing steps to normalize and enhance biometric data before analysis, ensuring consistent performance across different environmental conditions. This approach provides a robust solution for secure and efficient identity verification in various industries.
28. A system according to claim 23 , wherein said external database is of a government, a bank, or a mobile operator.
The invention relates to a system for securely accessing and utilizing external databases, particularly those maintained by government entities, banks, or mobile operators. The system addresses the challenge of securely integrating and querying sensitive data from these external sources while ensuring data integrity and privacy. The system includes a secure interface module that establishes authenticated connections with the external databases, allowing authorized users or applications to retrieve and process the data. The system also incorporates data validation mechanisms to verify the accuracy and authenticity of the retrieved information, ensuring that only trusted and verified data is used. Additionally, the system may include encryption and access control features to protect the data during transmission and storage. The external databases, such as those from government agencies, banks, or mobile operators, typically contain highly sensitive information like financial records, personal identification details, or transaction histories. The system ensures that this data is accessed and utilized in a manner that complies with regulatory requirements and security standards. By providing a secure and efficient way to interact with these external databases, the system enhances data accessibility while maintaining robust security measures.
29. A system according to claim 28 , wherein said legal requirements comprise a minimum legal age for said purchase.
A system for managing age-restricted transactions, such as purchases of age-sensitive goods or services, ensures compliance with legal requirements by verifying the age of a user before allowing a transaction to proceed. The system includes a user interface for inputting user information, a processing unit for evaluating the input against legal age restrictions, and a decision module that either approves or denies the transaction based on the evaluation. The system is designed to handle various legal requirements, including minimum legal age thresholds, which are predefined for different types of transactions. When a user attempts to complete a purchase, the system checks whether the user meets the specified age requirement. If the user does not meet the minimum age, the transaction is blocked, and the user may be prompted to provide additional verification or receive a notification explaining the denial. The system may also integrate with external databases or identity verification services to confirm the user's age. This ensures that transactions involving age-restricted items, such as alcohol, tobacco, or certain digital content, comply with applicable laws and regulations. The system can be deployed in retail environments, online platforms, or other transactional systems where age verification is necessary.
Unknown
January 26, 2021
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